don’t cry over spilled milk
Meaning
Don’t waste time being upset about something that has already happened and can’t be changed.
Origin
A proverb based on the everyday image that once milk is spilled it can’t be recovered; the saying is recorded in English from at least the 17th century.
Notes
Often used to comfort or urge someone to move on. Can sound dismissive if the other person is genuinely upset; soften with empathy if needed.
Examples
-
I know you missed the flight, but don't cry over spilled milk—let's book the next one.
-
The report is already submitted, so there's no point crying over spilled milk.
-
She apologized for the mistake, but her manager told her not to cry over spilled milk and to focus on fixing it.
-
We can't undo what happened yesterday; there's no use crying over spilled milk.
-
Don't cry over spilled milk—learn from it and move on.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed as an imperative/proverb: “Don’t cry over spilled milk.” Sometimes without “don’t” in reported form (“No use crying over spilled milk”). Usually “spilled,” not “spilt” (UK variant).
Synonyms
- let bygones be bygones
- move on
- what's done is done
- no use crying over spilt milk
Antonyms
- learn from the past
- take corrective action